A practical guide for first-time picture book authors
Submitting your picture book manuscript is a craft and professionalism test rolled into one. With guidance from kid‑lit experts—from experienced advisors like my Picture Book Summit cofounders, Emma Walton Hamilton & Julie Hedlund, (cofounders of the Complete Picture Book Submissions System), you can polish your work into something editors can’t ignore.
- Skipping Market Research
I cannot tell you how many times someone has said to me, “I always wanted to write a picture book,” only to answer my follow-up questions with, “Oh, no, I don’t read them!” Too many submitters don’t analyze recent trends. As we always say to our Picture Book Summit attendees, read widely—especially titles published 2022–2025—so you understand what editors are excited about now. That market awareness helps you craft something both unique and timely.
- Crowding Your Text with Art Notes
Experts warn that spare manuscripts are better. Don’t describe every scene. Instead, let your text convey emotion and trust your future illustrator to bring visual life to your story. That restraint shows you respect the medium.
- Weak Story Arc
Even concept or novelty books require structure. You must still have a recognizable beginning–middle–end arc. Without it, your manuscript can feel like a series of disconnected vignettes.
- Overwriting & Unfocused Prose
Children don’t need big words—they need clarity and imagery. Trim unnecessary adjectives. Do you have a word that isn’t working for your story? Eject! Delete! Erase! Focus each sentence on action and emotion. Tight writing is polished writing.
- Neglecting Read‑Aloud Quality
Rhythm matters. READ YOUR MANUSCRIPT OUT LOUD. A lot. If reading your manuscript aloud feels clunky, editors will sense that too. Practice aloud, revise phrasing for smooth cadence, and ensure your pages turn like beats in a song.
- Incorrect Formatting or Premature Illustrations
Standard formatting (double‑spaced, page numbering, single‑rowed) is essential. Submitting unsolicited sketches or artsy PDFs when you aren’t the illustrator can hurt your chances.
- Weak or Unearned Endings
Stories must give readers emotional payoff. Emma and Julie’s course underscores the importance of resonance: your ending should feel inevitable yet surprising. If your final page doesn’t land emotionally, keep working.
- Submitting Too Soon
Many authors submit manuscripts before truly refining them. I encourage you to work through critique groups, multiple revisions, and peer feedback before querying. First drafts aren’t submission-ready—refined ones are.
- Lack of Unique Angle or Voice
Your manuscript needs a hook beyond a strong concept. What makes your voice unique? What’s your fresh take? Editors want originality—even in themes that feel familiar. People say everything has been done. To an extent, that’s true, but everything hasn’t been done in your voice; you are unique, which means your take on an overdone subject will be, too.
- Not Investing in Professional Development
Skipping structured submission training can lead to mistakes. For example, Emma Walton Hamilton & Julie Hedlund’s Complete Picture Book Submissions System walks authors through manuscript polish, query letter craft, and submission etiquette—building both confidence and competence.
Why This Care Makes a Difference
Approaching submissions without craft polish, emotional clarity, or professionalism decreases your chances. But when your manuscript is market-aware, succinct, structured, read-aloud ready, and emotionally resonant, it stands out—in a good way.
Pre‑Submission Checklist
| Common Mistake | How to Fix It |
| Lack of market awareness | Read AT LEAST 50–100 recent picture books and analyze trends |
| Too many art notes | Remove redundant illustration cues; trust your illustrator |
| Missing story structure | Ensure clear arc: setup, tension, resolution |
| Wordy prose | Trim adjectives; focus on action and emotion |
| Poor read-aloud rhythm | Read aloud; revise for cadence and natural speech |
| Formatting errors | Use standard submission format; don’t send draft art |
| Weak ending | Create emotional payoff that feels both inevitable and satisfying |
| Submitting too soon | Use critique group revisions before querying |
| Weak unique voice | Add a hook or fresh perspective that sets your story apart |
| Skipping training |
Consider attending Picture Book Summit, or submission courses like Emma and Julie’s Complete Picture Book Submissions System |
Final Thoughts
When you prepare your manuscript with intention—craft, voice, structure, emotional clarity—you’re not just improving your book; you’re showing editors you’re serious and ready. Submission is part of the craft journey. Make your story—and its emotional heart—unmistakably strong.
Here’s to polished manuscripts, meaningful submissions, and stories that find their forever home. Good luck—you’ve got this!
